Super Falcons our toughest opponents ever – England stars

By Tolulope Oke

Millie Bright and Rachel Daly have admitted that their clash against Nigeria women’s national football team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was the toughest match of their England careers.

Speaking on their podcast, Daly Brightness, the former Lionesses stars reflected on memorable games and singled out the Round of 16 encounter against Nigeria as the most difficult.

Daly described the goalless tie as the “hardest game” she had ever played for England.

Recounting how the match went, she said, “they were so fast in every position, so strong in every position — that was the hardest game I’ve ever played in my life.”

The match, played on August 7, 2023, saw England pushed to the limit by the Super Falcons, who dominated large spells and created the better chances.

England were reduced to 10 players late in the game after Lauren James was sent off for stamping on a Nigerian opponent.

Despite the setback, the Lionesses held on for a 0-0 draw after extra time before edging Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to reach the quarter-finals.

The match remains one of the standout games of the competition, with Nigeria earning widespread praise despite their exit.